Join the Conversation

Ex-Eastwood teacher convicted in sex abuse case

Aaron Martinez, El Paso Times
Published 7:06 p.m. MT Oct. 15, 2015

Buy Photo

Former Eastwood High School teacher Christopher Miranda, 26, sits with attorney Daniela Chisolm during his trial Wednesday. He is accused of sexually assaulting three teen girls, according to testimony. He was found guilty Thursday on two counts of improper relationship between a student and educator, one count of sexual assault of a child and one count of sexual performance by a child.(Photo: RUBEN R. RAMIREZ / EL PASO TIMES)Buy Photo

A former Eastwood High School teacher was found guilty by a jury on four counts in a sexual assault case involving three students.

Christopher Miranda, 26, was found guilty on two counts of improper relationship between a student and educator, one count of sexual assault of a child and one count of sexual performance by a child.

The trial is being held in the 120th District Court with District Judge Maria Salas-Mendoza presiding. The sentencing phase of the trial will begin at 9 a.m. Friday.

Salas-Mendoza granted Miranda a bond totaling $40,000 until the sentencing phase is concluded.

Miranda faces two to 20 years in prison and as much as a $10,000 fine on each of the four counts.

Miranda had no reaction as the verdict was read,

He was found not guilty on one count of improper relationship between a student and educator, one count of sexual assault of a child and two counts of sexual performance by a child.

Miranda was arrested in 2013 on suspicion of having sexual relationships with two 16-year-old girls and a 17-year-old girl, according to court testimony. The incidents allegedly occurred since at least 2011.

Miranda worked as a business, career and technology teacher and a gymnastics coach at Eastwood High School, Ysleta Independent School District officials said. Miranda resigned from his position after the allegations were brought against him, officials said.

During closing arguments, defense lawyer Jose Troche said that prosecutors failed to provide evidence to support the charges. He also questioned why only one victim testified.

"There has been no shred of evidence," Troche said. "Nobody came into this court and showed inducement of these girls."

Prosecutors said in closing arguments that Miranda clearly violated the trust between teachers and students.

"These people are in a position of power and have access to people who are vulnerable," prosecutors said. "He (Miranda) used the high school as a dating playground."